During the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro emphasized the importance of art in society, warning about the dangers of dismissing its relevance. In the context of a ceremony where he was recognized for his work as a director, del Toro urged emerging filmmakers not to pay attention to voices that argue that art is not important. According to him, such claims are always a precursor to authoritarian regimes.
A man in love with culture
The acclaimed Mexican director emphasized that the devaluation of art can undermine the foundations of a free and creative society. “Be kind, stay involved,” he highlighted, pointing out that kindness and empathy are essential in the creative process. His message resonated with a group of new talents in cinema, whom he urged to collaborate and to take an active stance in defending art and culture.
“Culture plays a crucial role in society,” commented del Toro, suggesting that artists have the responsibility to engage and support their communities instead of succumbing to complacency. His speech comes at a time when the entertainment industry faces tensions related to censorship and cultural criticism.
Del Toro, known for his cinematic step that fuses horror and fantasy, continues to be a passionate advocate for art in all its forms. With this recognition, he reinforced his stance that the construction of good cinema or any form of artistic expression must be accompanied by a strong foundation of ethical and collaborative values. In an increasingly tense global climate, his message resonates especially strongly among those voices seeking to make a significant change through visual storytelling.